Utrecht Master, 17th Century, A young man with a falcon

This charming 17th-century portrait captures a young man in an engaging, lively manner. He is depicted in a three-quarter bust, holding a falcon perched on his gloved left hand. The falcon, a symbol of nobility and status, gazes intently forward, while the sitter turns his head to meet the viewer's gaze with a confident, almost mischievous smile.
The artist has paid close attention to detail, from the boy's wavy, russet-coloured hair and the glimmering circlet on his head to the intricate folds of his pleated ruff. The texture of the dark leather glove and the bird’s feathers are rendered with a soft, yet precise, hand. The warm tones and soft lighting are characteristic of the Utrecht Caravaggisti, who were known for their dramatic use of light and shadow, though this painting adopts a gentler, more intimate approach. Oil on canvas, 41.3 x 32.5 cm